Jan. 18, 2026, 12:28 a.m. ET
The writing on the Steel City walls is becoming clearer following a new update — it doesn’t seem like Aaron Rodgers will return to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2026.
According to a new report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Mike Tomlin’s decision to step down as head coach of the Steelers may have had a huge impact on Rodgers’ potential return to Pittsburgh, which now seems unlikely.
“Mike Tomlin stepped down for the Pittsburgh Steelers, certainly, a stunning move that leaves the future of Aaron Rodgers in doubt,” Rapoport said on Saturday. “I would not expect him to return to Pittsburgh now that Mike Tomlin is not back. What opportunities would Rodgers would actually take for another season, is a very real question. We may have seen the last of Rodgers in the NFL.”
Rodgers’ potentially last pass attempt as a Steeler is one fans would quickly love to forget, as he threw a pick-six before being benched to end Pittsburgh’s blown out loss to the Houston Texans.
With Rodgers’ future in doubt, there are still some viable replacements the Steelers can target, such as these four quarterbacks this offseason.
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